177
down at last, but the latter only shook his head
when questioned and spread his account books out
on the table.
Jansje heard it on her way home, she returned to
tell Stien. They sat for a long time with their
aprons to their eyes.
During the days that followed Werendonk went
out morning and afternoon. When he came back
he called Frans into the parlour to tell him about
the business. Mr. Wessels remained obdurate, and
the reason he gave for refusing to accept repayment of
the sum stolen was always the same, that his own
good name would suffer if it was known that there
had been a thief in his office who had gone un-
punished. The matter would have to go to court*
Werendonk had been to the advocate, but the lattcfc
held out little hope of a light sentence, because Flori*
had been associating with young men the police had
their eyes on.
He continued to go out, but he no longer calkd
Frans, for there was nothing to tell him, Beridk^i
Frans had heard already that he was no longer going
to Mr. Wessels or the advocate, but simply walked
about the town.
The younger brother served alone in the shop,
It was usually quiet, one would have thougjbt the
customers were staying away on purpose* Andi^KI
he had nothing to do, he stood looking tirougfc
the top of the window at the little patch